Which do you prefer and in what lb test?  It's a new technique for me and I'm trying to fine tune the craft.   Been using 50lb power pro, but I hate the noise and was wondering if 8 strand will hold up in pads?  Also curious how 65lb handles as I am thinking about trying it after breaking off 50lb test trying to pull a 4-5 lber out of the pads (probably my fault - I hadn't retied after several fish)  

I use 65# and 80# original Power Pro for flipping and pitching in mats and heavy cover, but switched to 50# Smackdown for frogs. 
I’ve never been bothered by any sound

 

If you're breaking off #50 lb line landing a 4#-5# bass, it definitely wasn’t because of the line unless it or your knot was compromised 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

4 strand works best in heavy vegetation. I have used 8 and it gets stuck in stuff more often but I can make it work. I like 50lb. 

 

Also, the noise is just part of using braid.  They all make some noise to a certain extent. 

I fish 50lb 832 and 20 lb big game.  No issues with breakoffs with either.

I specifically use 4 carrier because I find it saws through lily pad stems better. 

Appreciate the input.  Good point on the 4 strand sawing through he veg better.  I will chalk up my break off to me being lazy and not retying:)  May try a spool of 65lb test just to boost my confidence.  Haven't tried 832 before but have heard good things about it.  I got a spool of 6lb to try on perch rigs this fall.

4 strand tends to be better for brute force applications. Some costed 8 strands may fare better than others, but you’re probably best off with 4 and living with the possibility of the noise coming through the guides.

#50 is more than enough to bass fish with.  #50 likley breaks closer to 70lbs than 50.  When uncompromised #40 or > PE breaks from overload, you'll know, it sounds like a .22 long.  A cracked insert can cause the line to fail on the hookset or right after, but it would be a reoccurring problem.  Although 4 carrier PE tends not slip as much as 8 or 9, its still slick, especially when the coating is still intact.  Try a SDJ, uni or palomar knot, they tend to hold really well.

PP has always been on the louder side.  Since the early 2ks, OG PP has improved as far as shape and texture.  While its still a 4 carrier PE, it holds its shape longer and the coating lasts a little longer which helps with noise.  I favored 832 over PP, because its shape is more round and isnt as loud through the guides.  

As far as which line is better, its all preference and purpose.  I think PP V2 in its lighter iterations is a solid performing line for spinning gear.  When I use PE on heavier casting gear, I don't want a thin, smooth, limp PE, like X9, JB Grand or G Soul.  

832 performs pretty well with casting gear.  Its very strong, abrasion resistant, knots very well for an 8 carrier and once the coating begins to wear, theres a little texture to it, which helps it cut through sparse grass and algae.  IMO the biggest problem 832 has is that once the coating is compromised, it tends to soak up water.  That dramatically increases weight, drag and is detrimental to casting distance.

If you want a fairly quiet 4 carrier that can cut grass and algae, you might really like X5.  You can feel the texture of the weave, but its a fairly slick line.  The smoother feel helps it to cinch easily and the texture binds well when cinched.  I do think PP and 832 have a higher abrasion resistance when comparing by breaking strength.  While I contend that Berkleys' claimed dia is wishful thinking on their part, its noticeably thinner than 832 or PP.  When you compare X5 to PP or 832 by dia instead of breaking strength, X5 holds it own. IME, I find that X5 doesnt absorb as much water as 832 or PP for that matter, which means the performance of the line is more consistent.  Im not certain about other colors, but the dye in flame green X5 does tend to bleed until it wears in.  I'm not saying it cant happen, but after fishing X5 for a couple years, its only bled on my skin, never my gear. 

I haven't extensive with this line, being I only have it 10lb test and its on an outfit I rarely use anymore.  Vicious is a 4 carrier PE, somewhat similar to X5 in some regards.  I bought it out of curiosity and was really surprised at how well it performed.  like X5 its smooth, but I would say it has more texture to the weave than X5.  Its a wiry PE, with very good knot strength and good abrasion resistance for its dia.  What really impressed me was its castability.  Usually wiry 4 carriers arent the best for distance, but somehow this braid not only performs well for a 4 carrier, it out casts some 8 carrier lines I've used in the past.  I suppose that due to the thin dia and slick feel.  Since then they have come out with a No Fade line, which I haven't tried.  The regular Vicious is fairly cheap, but since trying it out Viscious has put out a No Fade braid, which I have no experience with.  Im sure some member has more info on it if you are interested.   

I use X-9, it’s the quietest I tried. I am not a braid fan, the noise is the reason. I use it for pitching and docks, mono is on every thing else.

a company called Cortland make a 16 carrier braid called “silent flip”. I haven’t tried it or know anybody that has.